Wilkins’ street lessons
CHRISTIAN Wilkins was ignorant about the subject of homelessness before agreeing to take part in SBS show, Filthy Rich and Homeless.
But that was part of the reason why the model, socialite and son of Nine Network presenter Richard Wilkins, made the decision to live on the streets of Melbourne for 10 days.
“I didn’t want to continue to be ignorant and I wanted to learn and understand the experiences that these people face and that hardship, and use whatever voice I have to try and stand up for them, say something on their behalf,” he said.
Along with self-made millionaire Tim Guest, boxing champ Jeff Fenech’s daughter Kayla, rags to riches beauty entrepreneur Jellaine Dee and third generation pub baron Stu Laundy, Wilkins lived on the streets for nine nights and 10 days. The group offered up their phones, their IDs and everything they were wearing to realistically take on the challenge.
“The only thing I had from home was a pair of underwear that I was still wearing,” Wilkins said.
Wilkins spent his nights on the streets, in youth shelters and squatting.
At one stage he attempted to beg for money but found the process particularly humiliating.
“I did it for about 30 seconds and I was told that I was scum. I was told that I should get a job, which is why I have such new-found respect for people who are out there begging,” he said.
Wilkins lives comfortably but said this experience has changed his outlook.
“It’s made me want to give back,” he said.